Chapter 14 Chapter 14. Witnessing Zephyr and Faye's Intimacy
Zoria was fragile yet stubborn, a trait that forced Zephyr to resort to cruel tactics to control her. Beneath Zephyr's impeccably refined exterior was a vicious, arrogant demon, which only revealed itself when facing Zoria.
He had once tried to gently persuade her, once tried to lead her back to his side with patience, but Zoria showed no gratitude. If she wouldn't appreciate it, then there was no need for him to be kind to her. He held her weaknesses in his hands, and so he didn't believe she would ever defy him.
Zephyr tightened his grip around Zoria, pressing her face against his chest. In just a few short days, Zoria had become so thin that she seemed almost skeletal, her body light as though it belonged to an underdeveloped wolf.
He shoved Zoria into the backseat of the car and held her like a child. He sat her on his lap, forcing her head to rest on his shoulder.
Zoria laughed through the pain and bitterness. This intimacy, once something she longed for but could never have, had now become a tool for him to threaten her. Deep within, a profound resentment stirred - resentment toward Zephyr for his heartlessness, for trampling on her pride.
The driver drove up to the castle and then stopped. Zephyr stepped out and bent down to lift Zoria into his arms. This time, Zoria did not resist, silently leaning against Zephyr's chest. Her face was pale, with reddened eye sockets, and her spirit seemed as gloomy as a little rabbit that had been hurt.
Zoria was wearing only a thin hospital gown, not even shoes. The weather had turned to autumn, with the rain pouring heavily the previous night, and the cold wind blowing, causing her body to shiver uncontrollably.
Inside the villa, Faye was sitting on the sofa chatting with the maid. Upon hearing the sound of the car from outside, she immediately stood up and ran out to greet them. But as soon as she arrived and saw who was lying in Zephyr's arms, Faye's steps faltered.
Her teeth clenched, and her brown eyes gleamed with jealousy. "Damn you, Zoria! You shameless wench!"
When Zephyr's gaze shifted toward her, Faye quickly concealed her emotions and returned to her usual innocent demeanor. She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Zephyr, you're back? I made honey lamb chops today. Would you like to try some?"
Faye cautiously asked, her tone mixed with anticipation.
Zephyr looked at Faye and noticed she was wearing only a thin shirt. Perhaps in her haste to greet him, she hadn't had time to put on a coat. He frowned slightly, his voice carrying a hint of reproach. "Why did you go outside without a coat?"
The wind outside was strong and much colder than inside, and before long, Faye's face turned pale. Her body, already frail from years of suffering from leukemia, had just undergone surgery. Now, she had recklessly run outside to catch the cold wind, making her prone to falling ill.
A sense of pity rose within Zephyr. He coldly glanced at Zoria lying in his arms, then gently placed her on the cold floor before ordering the maid to bring shoes.
Faye saw Zephyr let go of Zoria and immediately felt relieved, rushing into his arms. Her pink lips curled into a small smile as she whispered, "I missed you so much. I thought you'd only be back in the evening, so when I heard the car, I rushed out and forgot to wear my coat. But it's fine, Zephyr, I was only outside for a moment."
Faye deliberately said these words for Zoria to hear. She wanted Zoria to know how much Zephyr cared for her, and that it would be best if Zoria disappeared, or better yet, died.
Zoria looked up and met Faye's provocative gaze. Her heart ached as if being squeezed, and she could barely breathe.
Zephyr embraced Faye gently, saying, "I saw the picture of the honey lamb dish you sent, so I came home immediately to eat it."
His voice was full of affection, and the sharpness in his usual gaze softened as he looked at Faye. Zoria thought she had grown used to the pain, but seeing their intimacy made her heart twist in agony, like it was bleeding. She hated herself and wanted to slap herself to snap out of it.
Faye nestled into Zephyr's chest and softly said, "It's so cold here. I asked the maid to prepare warm water at the perfect temperature for you. Please go take a bath."
Zephyr nodded, then turned and glanced at Zoria, "Why are you still standing here?"
His tone was distant, completely different from how he spoke to Faye.
After scolding Zoria, Zephyr took Faye in his arms and walked into the living room. His figure was filled with cold indifference.
Zoria suddenly realized that Zephyr had brought her to the castle just to make her witness his affection with Faye, deepening her humiliation. Her body trembled from the cold, and her bare feet felt numb, as if she had lost all sensation. She lowered her head and let out a bitter laugh.
The cold wind blew against her face, making her heart even colder, sweeping away the tears she had shed over the years.
Zoria returned to the Hawthorne Castle, her life was mostly unchanged from before, with only one difference – the castle now had another female master.
In the past, Zephyr rarely returned to the castle, but now, Zephyr came back every day at the same time, perhaps because Faye was now here.
Every time she lay in her bedroom and looked up at the photo of her and Zephyr hanging above the bed, Zoria felt both mocking and an endless pain. Looking at her silly smile from years ago, she could only feel sorrow.
Lost in thought, a knock on the door interrupted her. Zoria quickly regained her focus and stood up to open the door. The one standing outside was none other than Faye.
Faye’s health had fully recovered. After more than a month of rest, her face had become rosier and brighter than before. Zoria wasn’t sure why Faye had come to her room. Although they lived together, they hardly communicated, as if they were strangers passing by without noticing each other.